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THE PLANES OF CONFLICT, PART 1: BYTOPIA, ELYSIUM, AND THE BEASTLANDS

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The Outer Planes can roughly be divided into three different catagories:

1. The Planes of Law - as the namesake suggests, these are all the planes that tilt towards the "lawful" alignment. They are (from good to evil) Mount Celestia, Arcadia, Mechanus, Acheron, and Baator.

2. The Planes of Chaos - these are (naturally) all the planes that tilt towards the "chaotic" alignment. They are (from good to evil), Arborea, Ysgard, Limbo, Pandemonium, and the Abyss.

3. The Planes of Conflict - the planes that we'll talk (in part) about today, are divided between the "good" planes of Bytopia, Elysium, and the Beastlands, and the "evil" planes of Gehenna, the Gray Waste, and Carceri. While most toward either law or chaos, they're generally more focused on "good" versus "evil" as compared to the Planes of Law and Chaos.

We'll be looking at the three "good" planes that make up the Planes of Conflict - Bytopia, Elysium, and the Beastlands.

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Originally Posted by The Editor As an aside, when someone refers to the "Upper Planes" they're referring to the good-aligned planes - Arcadia through Ysgard - and when referring to the "Lower Planes" they're referring to the evil-aligned planes - Acheron through Pandemonium. These references leave out Mechanus and Limbo however, which means they don't neatly divide into nice chunks to talk about. As a second aside, that leaves only one plane - the Outlands - out. I'll talk about that more with a large discussion about Sigil in a future post. As a third aside, many of these descriptions talk about "petitioners". Petitioners are the souls of the dead, who travel to the plane after their death. Petitioners come from both prime AND planar worlds; the plane they end up in is literally their afterlife - be it reward or punishment. Most petitioners remember but fragments of their past life, and the longer they stay a petitioner the more they tend to forget. Petitioners can be killed, although it is unknown where they end up (many assume they vanish forever). It is said that petitioners may get the chance to 'merge' with their plane, becoming part of it, but no one is entirely sure if this is true (how does one add to a functionally infinitely large body?).

A brief description of each of the Planes of Conflict follow. Each description has the following information:

Alignment: this plane represents a version (or versions) of this alignment. Petitioners and inhabitants will generally share this alignment.
Layers: Most planes are "divided" into several layers. This catagory lists them for quick reference.
Common Races: These are the most common races one would find on the plane.
Notable Powers: many gods make their kip on the planes; the major ones are listed, although in some cases, dozens (if not hundreds) of minor powers, demi-gods, and other important beings reside in any plane.
Links: Looking to get to this plane? Here are some of the common ways of doing so.
Special Rules: In general, travel on any plane is exactly as one would expect on a 'prime' world. Exceptions are listed here. In general, planes exert normal gravity, have a typical day/night schedule, and are infinitely large.

When referencing monsters, the following abbreviations will be used:
Monster Manual = MM1
Monster Manual 2 = MM2
Monster Manual 3 = MM3
Monster Valut = MV
Dragon Magazine = Dragon (Issue #)
Dungeon Magazine = Dungeon (Issue #)

All monsters listed here that are not given stat blocks can be found in the Online Compendium.


THE TWIN PARADISES OF BYTOPIA



Layers: Dothion, Shurrock
Common races: Gnomes, Devas, Eladrin
Links: Tradegate (Outlands)
Notable Powers: Garl Glittergold
Special rules: Each layer of Bytopia exerts its own gravitational pull. creatures are only ever affected by one at a time, but it is possible climbing some mountains that reach high enough to 'cross over' from one gravitational pull to the other.

Bytopia is a land of two worlds. The first is Dothion, a quaint paradise where the various humanoids (namely, gnomes) spend their days quietly, enjoying the bounty of their labour. The second is Shurrock, a land of wild beasts and uncharted terrain. The two 'worlds' face each other constantly, separated by about a mile of clean air. From Dothion, a vast wilderness can be seen above. From Shurrock, the light of thousand upon thousands of tiny abodes and villages illuminate the sky like stars. On either side, one finds that through hard work and perseverance, a life of happiness and community may be built.

Because of the divine influence of Garl Glittergold, the vast majority of petitioners on the plane look like gnomes, regardless of what race they were previously in life. Like most gnomes, many are happy to lend assistance to those in need, inviting them into their quaint communities. Like most inhabitants, the petitioners are hard working, ever trying to build a better life for themselves.

Because there are so many gnomes on the plane, many small markets and bazaars can be found on the plane selling all sorts of wonderful (and dangerous) contraptions. Of course, most services aren't to be bought, they are to be bartered for. Adventurers willing to pitch in a meal, help fix a broken window, or pick produce will find a hot meal and a warm bed.

A few portals dot the landscape which link the two layers of Bytopia, but most have been boarded up by the inhabitants on Dothion. The beasts on the other side are often fearsome, so in general only those seeking adventure (or danger) wish to travel to Shurrock.

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Originally Posted by DM NOTES ON BYTOPIA Adventuring on Bytopia is generally limited to Shurrock; Dothion is simply too quiet and peaceful! That said, Dothion could be a great place to start an adventure, especially if one if looking to start the game in a more "traditional" D&D setting before moving elsewhere. As Shurrock is so untamed, it could absolutely be the launching ground for any number of sinister plans that require hired muscle to solve. Players generally won't encounter danger on Dothion, but that doesn't mean the plane is defenseless. Should you wish to have any encounter with the inhabitants on Dothion (perhaps they mistake the PCs as invaders?) the following monsters may be appropriate to use: Gnome Skulk (level 2 lurker, MM1) Gnomish Trickster (level 2 skirmisher, Dragon 176) Gnome Arcanist (level 3 controller, MM1) Gnome Illusionist (level 6 artillery, MV) Deva Seer (level 8 controller, Dragon 374) Harlequinade Gnome (level 8 skirmisher, Dungeon 181) In general, various animals and beasts printed across the various books can serve for encounters on Dothion. Treants can also be found, and - most fearsome - Adamantine Dragons sometimes prowl the skies in search of prey. The following monsters may be appropriate to use: Gray Wolf (level 2 skirmisher, MV) Dire Wolf (level 5 skirmisher, MV) Cave Bear (level 6 elite brute, MM1) Young Adamantine Dragon (level 7 solo soldier, MM2) Gnome Wolverine (level 9 skirmisher, MM2) Dire Bear (level 11 elite brute, MV) Adult Adamantine Dragon (level 14 solo soldier, MM2) Treant (level 16 elite controller, MM1) Many beasts on Dothion have extraordinary traits; if you desire, you can apply the "Feyborn" template in the DMG to simulate a creature of particular grace and beauty. Some new examples of potential adversaries follow: Gnome-Eater Beetles: These enhanced fire beetles don't actually target gnomes, but as they make their homes in the mountains and caves of Dorthion they often come into conflict with gnomes invading their territory in search of gems and rare ore. Honey Badgers: Ferocious creatures for a ferocious layer. Honey Badgers just don't give a #@$*! Baku: Baku appear to be large tusked elephants with claws and the tail of a lizard. They're incredibly smart creatures with psionic capabilities, many of whom travel the planes spreading good. Rarely, an evil Baku will be born, and their Trumpet attack affects good creatures instead of evil ones. While not native to Bytopia, Baku seem to enjoy the nature of the plane, and many end up building a life there.

THE BLESSED FIELDS OF ELYSIUM



Layers: Amoria, Eronia, Belierin, Thalasia
Common races: Guardinals, Devas, Elementals
Notable Powers: Pelor
Links: Ecstasy (Outlands), River Oceanus
Special rules: Elysium is a land of great beauty and serenity. The longer someone stays on the plane, the greater the chance they'll simply wish to stay there, forever (see DM Notes, below).

Elysium is a land of peace and serenity, that once you visit, you never want to leave. Now, some consider the "entrapping" effect of the plane to be as sinister as what the Gray Waste does to cutters, but at least it makes a person feel happy, rather than a shadow of their former self! There are four layers to Elysium. Amoria is generally peaceful, and similar to many prime worlds, but the layer often presents visitors with small dilemmas to solve, in order to satisfy the locals of a traveler's intentions. Eronia is a rocky land of natural beauty, an afterlife for those good souls that seek excitement in their death. Belierin is a layer of marsh and swamp. Evil creatures can be found here, attracted to a mysterious evil that was sealed on the plane, but they are (mostly) kept in check by Elysium's guardinals. The final layer, Thalasia, is a giant expanse of water where the River Oceanus begins, punctuated by islands that offer tribute to the brave and heroic.

Petitioners on Elysium a varied lot, although they all tend to share a very trusting and warm demeanor. Unlike other planes, many petitioners hold important memories of their past lives, which they often use to 'teach' visitors. Many virtuous warriors become petitioners on this plane, and retain some measure of their ability. Many end up aiding in the defense of the plane.

The Guardinals on the plane are few in number, but even the weakest among them are powerful foes. They appear as humanoid monsters with the traits of noble animals - eagles, rams, horses, lions, etc. - and tend to divide their time protecting Elysium and making forays into the Lower Planes, fighting evil. Generally solitary creatures, if encountered on Elysium they will almost certainly question any party to their intentions. Those who show hostility will face their full might, while those cutters who attempt to lie or cheat their way on the plane will find themselves escorted to the nearest exit (and will enjoy a stern lecture the entire way).

Sizable communities exist all over Armoria and Eronia, but the majority of any planar trade happens down in Thalasia as merchants take advantage of the River Oceanus. The water of the River Oceanus is particularly sweet, and many make journeys here to bottle it as a gift, or for special occasions.

Travel to the lower layers of Elysium is relatively gentle, although if one is not interested in soaking up the magnificent scenery, fragments of the River Oceanus flow through the four layers, and allow for relatively quick travel between the layers.

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Originally Posted by DM NOTES ON ELYSIUM In general, adventures on Elysium should be short and sweet. One should not expect any danger on Amoria, will be mostly challenged by the terrain on Eronia, and find Thalasia too inappropriate for most encounters - at least not those that do not occur underwater. This leaves the third layer of Belierin as your best choice. The unknown evil contained there leaves numerous possibilities for plot hooks and adventures. Evil creatures often make their way here, and the Guardinals can always use some help fighting them off! Players should not except to face the Guardinals in combat; they are often much too powerful to be handled, even if they're alone. If the Guardinals feel the PCs are too powerful to be handled alone, they will gather allies to fight them. Combat on Elysium will generally only be against whatever evil the DM decides may be lurking on Belierin. DMs should feel free to be creative; any number of fiends could be appropriate, but for a twist, perhaps a group or faction is causing trouble with their presence. Perhaps a group of Fraternity of Order members seek to study the prison, or a rogue group of Mercykillers decide that whatever is contained there has been punished enough, and deserves to be freed! GUARDINALS The main defenders of the plane are the Guardinals. They tend to work alone. Most know a spell-like ability that they can use in combat, often taking enemies by surprise. They may leave and enter the plane as they choose, unaffected by the nature of the Elysium. Some brief notes on each: Cerdivals: These beings look like humanoid goats with beautiful horns. With the Lupinals, they serve as the "foot soldiers" against evil. Lupinals: Humanoids with wolven features, these Guardinals spend much of their time hunting for evil between Arborea and the Beastlands. Equinals: Horse-looking creatures with powerful limbs, they often dedicate themselves to proving their strength, be it in games or in combat. Avorals: Humanoids with the features of eagles and with giant wings instead of arms, they're the scouts in any Guardinal excursion, using their strong eyesight to find and defeat danger. Ursinals: The scholars and philosophers of the Guardinals, they tend to spend their time in quiet contemplation, studying the nature of evil, and advising Leonals. Leonals: The strongest of the Guardinals, Leonals are both the leaders and the ambassadors, although they tend to prefer to work alone. These Guardinals are the typical ones found; more powerful versions exist, notably Talisid, leader of all Guardinals, has the power equaling that of most powers (In 4e terms, he would be a 30th level solo)! ELYSIUM'S ENTRAPMENT The plane has an effect on the mind of a creature, making colours seem more vibrant, joys seem more resounding, and peace seem so easily obtained. Creatures that spend too much time on Elysium slowly become convinced that they should remain there forever. This effect is not immediate; indeed, as long as creatures do not linger on the plane for an extended period of time, they will not find themselves affected. Any creature that spends a week on Elysium must make a saving throw, with a bonus equal to half their level, and a penalty equal the number of consecutive weeks on the plane. Creatures that fail are compelled to stay, and become a petitioner of Elysium. As all petitioners, those affected can no longer leave (and have no desire to). Only one of the powers that mark Elysium as their home, or a task as chosen by the DM, may return such a character to normal.

THE WILDERNESS OF THE BEASTLANDS



Layers: Krigala, Brux, Karasuthra
Common races: Centaurs, Shifters
Notable Powers: Ehlonna
Links: Faunel (Outlands), River Oceanus
Special rules: On Karasuthra, light - natural or otherwise - functions at half strength. Only the moonlight on the layer is unaffected.

The Beastlands is the ultimate hunting experience - for the animals who live their at least. Berks trying to score some big game quickly find out that the game in the Beastlands is like none other they'll face. A plane of endless nature and danger, the Beastlands is divided into three planes, with many easily (and accidentally) accessible portals between the three. Krigala is a land of endless daylight, Brux is a land of endless dusk, and Karasuthra is a land of endless night. The creatures and petitioners on this plane know how to travel between the three comfortably, and often settle into whichever one best suits their hunting needs. An near endless variety of environments on each of the three layers means that nearly every type of wild (and magical!) animal or plant grows somewhere on the plane.

The Beastlands' petitioners begin looking as their former selves, but their features slowly transform them into wild animals themselves. Small communities of them can be found on Krigala and Brux, living in harmony with the nature around them.

Speaking of the nature around them, the plane is still a plane of good, and creatures here are expected to act like it. Hunting is a natural part of the cycle of life, but one should only take what one needs. Not that hunting is necessarily easy on this plane! All animals here are reasonably intelligent (minimum intelligence: 3), which not only makes them craftier - and able to plead for their life - but those animals that roam in packs are able to develop better tactics and strategies for hunting prey. All animals on the Beastlands speak Supernal, and indeed, any PC who also speaks Supernal can communicate with them.

The waters of the River Oceanus run through the first layer of Krigila, creating a humongous rainforest to either side of the river. Travel to the other layers of the Beastlands is easy, as long as you know where to look for the entrances/exits between layers. Such portals can be found all over each layer, although visitors might need to ask one of the inhabitants, and cross their fingers that they aren't hungry...

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Originally Posted by DM NOTES ON THE BEASTLANDS The Beastlands can be a very exciting plane to adventure on, accommodating a huge variety of potential environments and challenges. Plus, there's something cool about knowing the crocodiles here can talk (and presumably, rock)! DMs should play up the intelligent animal portion, as this is an effect pretty unique to this plane.

Adventures can happen on any layer, but nothing beats Krigala, with it's eternal night, for tension and danger in the Beastlands. Players would be wise to know their place; protecting the land are the Animal Lords, paragons of their respective species. Annoying them by harming their subjects to an unreasonable degree could see all kinds of unimaginable terrors thrown against the party.

Suitable creatures for the plane include:

Dire Rat (level 1 brute, MM1)
Gray Wolf (level 2 skirmisher, MV)
Spider Swarm (level 3 soldier, MV)
Tangler Beetle (level 5 controller, MM1)
Dire Wolf (level 5 skirmisher, MV)
Tiger (level 6 skirmisher, MM2)
Cave Bear (level 6 elite brute, MM1)
Dire Tiger (level 8 soldier, MM2)
Werewolf (level 8 brute, MM1)
Unicorn (level 9 skirmisher, MM1)
Feymire Crocodile (level 10 elite soldier, MM1)
Dire Bear (level 11 elite brute, MV)
Cave Spider (level 12 minion, MV)
Centaur Hunter (level 12 artillery, MM2)
Centaur Ravager (level 12 brute, MM2)
Dusk Unicorn (level 12 elite controller, MM1)
Centaur Mystic (level 13 controller, MM2)
Werewolf Lord (level 13 elite brute, MM2)

Many other magical beasts may fit as well, although in generally, if it breaths fire and poops lightning it's probably inappropriate.

Many beasts in the Beastlands have extraordinary traits; if you desire, you can apply the "Feyborn" template in the DMG to simulate a creature of particular grace and beauty.

Some new examples of potential adversaries follow:



Majestic Stag: a beautiful, noble foe, it's time in the Beastlands has given is a noble sheen, which seems to turn away the deadliest of blows. Combined with it's own powerful gore, the Stag is a strong adversary that draws many hunters to the plane to challenge them.



Dire Wolf Alpha: a leader, picked from the Dire Wolves on the plane not for her strength, but her cunning. Together, the Alpha leads her pack to take down larger prey.



Spitting Cobra (Planetouched): a cobra that has survived and become stronger while in the Beastlands, it uses its allure to pull prey towards it, often into dangerous terrain in the Beastlands itself.